by Tina Lehman

Created on: April 28, 2009

Shoes are the most important piece of equipment a runner will own, and probably the most expensive. A good pair of running shoes should take you hundreds of miles and help prevent you from becoming injured and make your runs more comfortable. Because there are so many styles available, there are many things you should know before purchasing a pair of running shoes.

Size

Buy your running shoes about a size larger than your street shoes. Feet will shift back and forth more while running so need more room. Also feet tend to swell during a run. Shopping for shoes at the end of the day when your feet are the most swollen will give you the best indication for sizing. Remember if you find your shoes are a little too big or small on any given day you can always wear thicker or thinner socks.

Try them out

Make sure they fit by running in them. Most stores that sell running shoes will have treadmill on which you can run to try out the shoes. Your shoes should not rub anywhere or feel excessively high in the arches or tight in the toebox. Ask the store about their return policy. Many stores will allow you to take shoes home and try them on a treadmill at home and return them within a certain time frame. Take advantage of this.

Where to shop

Look for shoes at a running specialty store. The personnel at specialty stores are knowledgeable about all things running and will be able to recommend several types of shoes to suit your needs. They can also help you determine your shoe needs if you are a new runner by watching your stride as you run on a treadmill.

How much to spend

Running shoes are not cheap, but you also do not have to buy the most expensive ones to get a good pair. As a rule of thumb, spending between $85 and $100 will get you into a good pair of running shoes.

Know your needs

There are shoes specifically made for heavy runners. If you tend to push off with the inside of your foot when you run (called pronating), there are shoes that can stabilize your gait. There are brands of shoes that run narrow, and those that have high arches. Knowing what you need in a running shoe is important in selecting a brand and style that will work best for you.

Shop around

If you find a pair of shoes at a specialty store, you do not necessarily have to purchase them there. Shop around for better prices. Typically if you tell a store owner that you found a deal online or in another store, they will match the deal. They will also appreciate your business especially if they took the time to help you determine what type of shoe you needed.

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